England women thrash Australia

England's women's side hammered Australia by nine wickets at Chelmsford in the first of five one-day internationals.

World Cup and World Twenty20 champions England, beaten by their arch-rivals in a one-off Twenty20 match last week, dismissed Australia for just 133 on Monday in the opening match of this 50 overs per side series.

England fast bowler Katherine Brunt took a wicket first ball at the headquarters ground of English county side Essex to spark a top-order collapse that saw Australia slump to 34 for five.

But the lower order rallied, with contributions from Lauren Ebsary (23) and Rene Farrell (39) helping take Australia past 100.

In reply Sarah Taylor, who kept wicket impressively, made 68 while fellow opener Caroline Atkins (48 not out) offered sound support in a first-wicket stand of 119 that all but saw England to victory.

Star batter Claire Taylor (eight not out) hit the winning runs as England won with a massive 23 overs to spare.

The teams return to Chelmsford on Tuesday for the second match which, unlike the first, will be a day/night fixture.